Apptronik worked with Austin-based Argodesign to craft Apollo’s deliberately neutral aesthetic. The concave face uses LED technology that enables the robot’s “mouth” to convey visual cues, like words or an ellipsis symbol to indicate that it is thinking or processing.
Two “eyes” are stereo-vision cameras, allowing the robot to perceive obstacles as it moves around a work area. “The [face display] enables it to convey emotions, intentions, and simple messages,” says Mark Rolston, Argodesign’s founder and former chief creative officer.
The robot runs on electrical actuators rather than pneumatic systems, enabling the precision needed for delicate tasks while maintaining the reliability required for industrial deployment. Its swappable batteries, designed for four-hour run time, allow for nearly continuous operation. “We’re targeting 22 hours a day, seven days a week,” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas says. Mercedes-Benz and manufacturing company Jabil are currently testing the robots in industrial settings.